Steinberg Cubase 8.5 User guide

Plug-in Reference

Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht,

Sabine Pfeifer, Kevin Quarshie, Benjamin Schütte

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3

Table of Contents

4Included Effect Plug-ins

4Delay Plug-ins

10 Distortion Plug-ins

37 Dynamics Plug-ins

63 EQ Plug-ins

75 Filter Plug-ins

84 Mastering Plug-ins

85 Modulation Plug-ins

102 Other Plug-ins

104 Pitch Shift Plug-ins

109 Reverb Plug-ins

127 Spatial + Panner Plug-ins

141 Surround Plug-ins

153 Tools Plug-ins

162 MIDI Effects

162 Arpache 5

164 Arpache SX

167 Auto LFO

168 Beat Designer

176 Chorder

181 Compressor

181 Context Gate

184 Density

184 MIDI Control

184 MIDI Echo

187 MIDI Modifiers

187 MIDI Monitor

188 Micro Tuner

189 Note to CC

190 Quantizer

191 StepDesigner

195 Track Control

198 Transformer

199 Included VST Instruments

199 Groove Agent SE

199 HALion Sonic SE

199 LoopMash

215 Mystic

230 Padshop

230 Prologue

250 Retrologue

250 Spector

265 Diagrams

4

Included Effect Plug-ins

The included plug-in effects are arranged according to their categories. This

chapter is arranged in the same fashion, with the plug-ins listed in separate sections

for each effect category.

NOTE

Most of the included effects are compatible with VST 3. For more information, see

the Operation Manual.

Delay Plug-ins

ModMachine

ModMachine combines delay modulation and filter frequency/resonance

modulation and can provide many interesting modulation effects. It also features a

Drive parameter for distortion effects.

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Included Effect Plug-ins

Delay Plug-ins

5

Delay

If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo

sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.

Delay – Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Delay parameter.

Rate

If tempo sync is activated, this is where you specify the base note value for

tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet, or dotted).

If tempo sync is deactivated, the modulation speed can be set freely with the

Rate knob.

Rate – Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Rate parameter.

Width

Sets the amount of delay modulation. This allows you to create a vibrato or

chorus-like effect.

Feedback

Sets the number of repeats for the delay.

Drive

Adds distortion to the feedback loop. The longer the feedback, the more the

delay repeats are distorted over time.

Included Effect Plug-ins

Delay Plug-ins

6

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect

is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can

control the dry/effect balance with the send.

Nudge

Clicking this button once momentarily speeds up the audio coming into the

plug-in, simulating the nudge command of analog tape machines.

Signal path graphic and Filter position

The filter can either be placed in the feedback loop of the delay or in the

output path of the effect (after the Drive and Feedback parameters). To

switch between the loop and output positions, click in the Filter section

displayed in the graphic or click on the Position field at the bottom right of the

graphic.

Filter type (in graphic display)

Allows you to select a filter type. You can choose between a low-pass,

band-pass, and high-pass filter.

Filter Frequency LFO Modulation

Freq

Sets the cutoff frequency for the filter. It is only available if tempo sync for the

Speed parameter is deactivated and the parameter is set to 0.

Speed

Sets the speed of the filter frequency LFO modulation. If tempo sync is

activated, this parameter sets the base note value for synchronizing the

modulation to the tempo of the host application.

If tempo sync is deactivated, the speed can be set freely with the Speed knob.

Speed – Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Speed parameter.

Range Lo/Hi

Set the range of the filter frequency modulation. Both positive (for example, Lo

set to 50 and Hi set to 10000) and negative (for example, Lo set to 5000 and

Hi set to 500) ranges can be set. If tempo sync is off and Speed is set to zero,

these parameters are inactive and the filter frequency is controlled by the Freq

parameter instead.

Spatial

Introduces an offset between the channels to create a stereo panorama effect

for the filter frequency modulation. Turn clockwise for a more pronounced

stereo effect.

Included Effect Plug-ins

Delay Plug-ins

7

Filter Resonance LFO Modulation

Q-Factor

Sets the resonance of the filter. It is only available if filter resonance LFO

tempo sync is deactivated and the Speed parameter is set to 0. If tempo sync

is activated, the resonance is controlled by the Speed and Range

parameters.

Speed

Sets the speed of the filter resonance LFO modulation. If tempo sync is

activated, this parameter sets the base note value for tempo syncing the

modulation.

If tempo sync is deactivated, the speed can be set freely with the Speed knob.

Speed – Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the Speed parameter.

Range Lo/Hi

Set the range of the filter resonance modulation. Both positive (for example,

Lo set to 50 and Hi set to 100) and negative (for example, Lo set to 100 and

Hi set to 50) ranges can be set. If tempo sync is deactivated and Speed is

set to zero, these parameters are inactive and the filter resonance is controlled

by the Q-Factor parameter instead.

Spatial

Introduces an offset between the channels to create a stereo panorama effect

for the filter resonance modulation. Turn clockwise for a more pronounced

stereo effect.

MonoDelay

This is a mono delay effect that can either be tempo-based or use freely specified

delay time settings.

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Delay Plug-ins

8

Delay

If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo

sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.

Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync.

Feedback

Sets the number of repeats for the delay.

Filter Lo

Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low

frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.

Filter Hi

Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high

frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect

is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can

control the dry/effect balance with the send.

NOTE

If side-chaining is supported, the delay can also be controlled from another signal

source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the

delay repeats are silenced. If the signal drops below the threshold, the delay repeats

reappear. For a description of how to set up side-chain routing, see the Operation

Manual.

PingPongDelay

This is a stereo delay effect that alternates each delay repeat between the left and

right channels. The effect can either be tempo-based or use freely specified delay

time settings.

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Delay Plug-ins

9

Delay

If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo

sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.

Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync.

Feedback

Sets the number of repeats for the delay.

Filter Lo

Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low

frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.

Filter Hi

Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high

frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.

Spatial

Sets the stereo width for the left/right repeats. Turn clockwise for a more

pronounced stereo ping-pong effect.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect

is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can

control the dry/effect balance with the send.

NOTE

If side-chaining is supported, the delay can also be controlled from another signal

source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the delay

repeats are silenced. If the signal drops below the threshold, the delay repeats reappear.

For a description of how to set up side-chain routing, see the Operation Manual.

StereoDelay

StereoDelay has two independent delay lines which either use tempo-based or

freely specified delay time settings.

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Delay

If tempo sync is activated, this sets the base note value for the delay. If tempo

sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely in milliseconds.

Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the corresponding delay.

Feedback

Set the number of repeats for each delay.

Filter Lo

Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off low

frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.

Filter Hi

Affects the feedback loop of the effect signal and allows you to roll off high

frequencies. The button below the knob activates/deactivates the filter.

Pan

Set the stereo position for each delay.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal. If the effect

is used as a send effect, set this parameter to the maximum value as you can

control the dry/effect balance with the send.

NOTE

If side-chaining is supported, the delay can also be controlled from another signal

source via the side-chain input. If the side-chain signal exceeds the threshold, the

delay repeats are silenced. If the signal drops below the threshold, the delay repeats

reappear. For a description of how to set up side-chain routing, see the Operation

Manual.

Distortion Plug-ins

AmpSimulator

AmpSimulator is a distortion effect that emulates the sound of various types of

guitar amp and speaker cabinet combinations. A wide selection of amp and cabinet

models is available.

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Amplifier pop-up menu

Click the amplifier name shown at the top of the amp section to open this

pop-up menu. It allows you to select an amplifier model. This section can be

bypassed by selecting No Amp.

Drive

Controls the amount of amp overdrive.

Bass

Tone control for the low frequencies.

Middle

Tone control for the mid frequencies.

Treble

Tone control for the high frequencies.

Presence

Boosts or dampens the higher frequencies.

Volume

Controls the overall output level.

Cabinet pop-up menu

Click the cabinet name shown at the top of the cabinet section to open this

pop-up menu. It allows you to select a speaker cabinet model. This section

can be bypassed by selecting No Speaker.

Damping Lo/Hi

Further tone controls for shaping the sound of the selected speaker cabinet.

Click the values, enter a new value and press [Enter].

Included Effect Plug-ins

Distortion Plug-ins

12

BitCrusher

If you are into lo-fi sound, BitCrusher is the effect for you. It offers the possibility of

decimating and truncating the input audio signal by bit reduction, to get a noisy,

distorted sound. For example, you can make a 24-bit audio signal sound like an 8

or 4-bit signal, or even render it completely garbled and unrecognizable.

Mode

Allows you to select one of the four operating modes. In each mode, the

plug-in sounds differently. Modes I and III are nastier and noisier, while modes

II and IV are more subtle.

Sample Divider

Sets the amount by which the audio samples are decimated. At the highest

setting, nearly all of the information describing the original audio signal is

eliminated, turning the signal into unrecognizable noise.

Depth (0 to 24 bits)

Defines the bit resolution. A setting of 24 gives the highest audio quality, while

a setting of 1 creates mostly noise.

Output

Sets the output level.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.

DaTube

This effect emulates the characteristic warm, lush sound of a tube amplifier.

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Drive

Sets the pre-gain of the amplifier. Use high values if you want an overdriven

sound just on the verge of distortion.

Balance

Sets the balance between the signal processed by the Drive parameter and

the dry input signal. For maximum drive effect, set this to its highest value.

Output

Adjusts the post-gain, or output level, of the amplifier.

Distortion

Distortion adds crunch to your tracks.

Boost

Increases the distortion amount.

Feedback

Feeds part of the output signal back to the effect input. Higher settings

increase the distortion effect.

Tone

Lets you select a frequency range to which to apply the distortion effect.

Spatial

Changes the distortion characteristics of the left and right channels, thus

creating a stereo effect.

Output

Sets the output level.

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Grungelizer

Grungelizer adds noise and static to your recordings – like listening to a radio with

bad reception, or a worn and scratched vinyl record.

Crackle

Adds crackle to create that old vinyl record sound.

RPM

When emulating the sound of a vinyl record, this switch lets you set the speed

of the record in RPM (revolutions per minute).

Noise

Sets the amount of added static noise.

Distort

Adds distortion.

EQ

Cuts the low frequencies, and creates a hollow, lo-fi sound.

AC

Emulates a constant, low AC hum.

Frequency

Sets the frequency of the AC current (50 or 60 Hz), and thus the pitch of the

AC hum.

Timeline

Sets the amount of overall effect.

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Magneto II

This effect simulates the saturation and compression of recording on analog tape

machines.

Saturation

Determines the amount of saturation and the generation of overtones. This

leads to a small increase in input gain.

Saturation On/Off

Activates/Deactivates the saturation effect.

Dual Mode

Simulates the use of two machines.

Frequency Range Low/Hi

These parameters set the frequency range of the spectrum band to which the

tape effect is applied.

For example, to avoid the saturation of lower frequencies, set the Freq Low

value to 200 Hz or 300 Hz. To avoid the saturation of very high frequencies,

set the Freq Hi parameter to values below 10 kHz.

Tape Solo

Allows you to hear only the set frequency range including the tape simulation

effect. This helps you to determine the appropriate frequency range.

HF-Adjust

Sets the amount of high frequency content of the saturated signal.

HF-Adjust On/Off

Activates/Deactivates the HF-Adjust filter.

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VU Input/Output

The buttons determine whether the VU meter shows the level of the input or

of the output signal. To set the input/output level, use the knob or enter a value

in the value field.

Quadrafuzz v2

Quadrafuzz v2 is a multi-band distortion and multi-effect plug-in for processing

drums and loops but also for treatment of vocals, for example. You can distort up to

4 bands. 5 different distortion modes with several sub-modes are available.

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Frequency Band Editor

The frequency band editor in the upper half of the panel is where you set the width

of the frequency bands as well as the output level. The vertical value scale to the left

shows the gain level of each frequency band. The horizontal scale shows the

available frequency range.

• To define the frequency range of the different frequency bands, use the

handles at the sides of each frequency band.

• To attenuate or boost the output level of each frequency band by ±15 dB, use

the handles on top of each frequency band.

Global Settings

SB

Switches between multi band and single band mode.

Scenes

You can save up to 8 different settings. If the default setting of a scene is

active, the selected scene button lights up yellow.

If you change the default settings, the button lights up green, indicating that

this scene has customized settings.

To copy the settings of a scene to another scene, select the scene that you

want to copy, click Copy, and click one of the numbered buttons.

You can automate the selection of scenes.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.

Output (-24 to 24 dB)

Sets the output level.

Band Settings

Mute

To mute each frequency band, activate the M button in each section.

Bypassing Frequency Bands

To bypass each frequency band, activate the Bypass Band button in each

section.

Soloing Frequency Bands

To solo a frequency band, activate the S button in each section. Only one

band can be soloed at a time.

Included Effect Plug-ins

Distortion Plug-ins

18

In/Out meter

Display the input and output level.

Gate

Determines the level at which the gate is activated. Signal levels above the set

threshold trigger the gate to open, and signal levels below the set threshold

close the gate.

Tape

This band mode simulates the saturation and compression of recording on analog

tape machines.

Drive

Controls the amount of tape saturation.

Tape Mode Dual

Simulates the use of two machines.

Tube

This band mode simulates the saturation effects using analog tubes.

Drive

Controls the amount of tube saturation.

Tubes

Determine the number of tubes that are simulated.

Dist

This band mode adds distortion to your tracks.

Drive

Controls the amount of distortion.

FBK

Feeds part of the output signal back to the effect input. Higher settings

increase the distortion effect.

Amp

This band mode simulates the sound of various types of guitar amps.

Drive

Controls the amount of amp overdrive.

Included Effect Plug-ins

Distortion Plug-ins

19

Amp Types

You can select the following types of guitar amps:

•Amp Clean

• Amp Crunch

•Amp Lead

Dec

This band mode allows you to decimate and truncate the input audio signal to

create a noisy, distorted sound.

Decimator

Controls the resulting bit-resolution. The lower the resolution, the higher the

distortion effect.

Mode

Allows you to select one of the four operating modes. In each mode, the

plug-in sounds differently. Modes I and III are nastier and noisier, while modes

II and IV are more subtle.

S&H

Sets the amount by which the audio samples are decimated. At the highest

setting, nearly all of the information describing the original audio signal is

eliminated, turning the signal into unrecognizable noise.

Delay

To open the Delay section, click the Delay button.

Time

If tempo sync is activated, this is where you specify the base note value for

tempo-syncing the effect (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet, or dotted).

If tempo sync is deactivated, the delay time can be set freely with the Time

knob.

Sync

Activates/Deactivates tempo sync for the corresponding delay.

Duck

Determines how much the delay signal ducks when an audio signal is present.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.

FBK

Determines the number of repeats for each delay.

Included Effect Plug-ins

Distortion Plug-ins

20

Mode

If this option is activated, the delay signal is routed back into the distortion unit

to create a feedback with distortion.

NOTE

High FBK values and low Duck values in combination with activated Mode can lead

to unwanted noise.

Slider

Width

Sets the stereo width for the corresponding band.

Out

Sets the output gain for the corresponding band.

Pan

Sets the stereo position for the corresponding band.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.

SoftClipper

This effect adds soft overdrive, with independent control over the second and third

harmonic.

Input (-12 to 24 dB)

Sets the pre-gain. Use high values if you want an overdriven sound just on the

verge of distortion.

Mix

Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the wet signal.

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